Chapter Three

Harry, Ron and Hermione spent most of the day in the small Black library, sharing information and talking about their vacations so far. It promised to be a quiet day, and Harry had almost forgotten it was his own birthday when the twins arrived just before dinner to party. He didn't know, but Ron's brothers had organized him a surprise party, with most of the Weasley family and the Order present. Everybody seemed too cheery for people who were at war, Harry thought, but soon starting enjoying yourself. It's not every day one becomes an adult.

Mrs. Weasley had cooked for the party - and it was only then Harry noticed he hadn't neither seen her nor entered the kitchen yet that day, since lunch had been served for the three of them right there in the library -, and guests arrived with small gifts and a few treats for him. The party went on until around midnight, when most of the adults decided it was enough for a week night, but the twins stayed and they talked well into the night.

Business had been blooming at the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, and they were very grateful to Harry. And to show that - and celebrate - they brought quite a few bottles of Firewhisky for all of them - except Ginny, of course, who'd become upset not to be a part of fun and had gone to bed early. Ron was stumbling on his feet as they walked Fred and George to the fireplace, who seemed not to have drank a drop, even though, between them, they'd finished a whole bottle. Neither Harry nor Hermione had drunk all that much, and were having a lot of trouble trying to keep Ron quiet as they went back to their room.

When Harry woke up the next day, it was almost lunch time. He was surprised, since not once he had woken up so late at his uncle's, but felt invigorated. Even the perspective of going back to Hogwarts didn't seem such a bad one anymore. After stretching in bed for a few minutes, he got up and headed to the bathroom. As he was leaving the room, already changed and as presentable as he would get - his hair still couldn't decide which way to go -, he ran into perhaps the last person he expected.

"Malfoy! What the hell are you doing here?" They both took a step back in shock.

"I live here, Potter. Not that it's any of your business."

"Like hell you do. It's my house. I didn't let you stay."

"Are you kicking me out, Potter? Your little friends won't be too pleased."

They looked at each other with hatred sparkling from their eyes. Harry didn't know what the other boy was doing there, but it was very, very wrong. How had he come in anyway? Who had let him in? The house was, after all under the Fidellius spell, wasn't it? They were ready to get into a fistfight when Hermione came up to get him for lunch.

"Oh, Harry! I see you met our new... housemate."

"What is he doing here, Hermione?"

"I told you, Potter, I live here. How thick are you?"

"You shut up, weasel. Nobody's talking to you."

"Harry, Harry, stop it, okay?" Hermione ran to him and held his arm, pulling him back to their room. Once they were inside and the door was closed, she let him go. "But Malfoy's right. He lives here now."

"No, he doesn't. It's my house and I don't want any Death Eater living in it."

"He's not a Death Eater, Harry!"

"Of course he is! What about what we saw last year in Borgin and Burkes?"

"Harry, please calm down." The boy was practically screaming again. "It was a temporary mark. I don't know how it works, but the real mark would only be given him if he succeeded in his mission, killing Dumbledore. It's supposed to be some kind of honor or something. Or maybe it was because he was still underage. I'm not sure. But he most definitely isn't a Death Eater."

"Well, I'm sure he'll become one the next chance he has, won't he?"

"Harry, stop it already! Malfoy is on our side now. I don't know what happened, but it was Professor McGonagall who brought him. She said he'd live here until it was time to go back to Hogwarts. And that we were to be nice to him."

"Why should we trust anything he says? I bet he's not really on our side, and will go back to his daddy the first chance he has, telling all our secrets."

"No, he won't. He means it. They made him take Veritasserum and all. Whatever his motives were, he's with us now, like it or not. And I agree with Professor McGonagall when she says he'll be very valuable in the war."

"Why weren't I consulted about it? Or at least informed? Why nobody ever tells me anything?"

"Quit being a baby, Potter." Malfoy said from the door. He'd been so focused on the argument he never heard the blond come in. "It's not all about you, you know. And I may hate you, but I'll still help you defeat the Dark Lord; I want him dead as much as you do. Now can we just go down for lunch? I don't want to listen to another lecture from Weasley mother."

"You watch your mouth, Malfoy, or-"

"He's right, Harry. Mrs. Weasley won't be happy if we're late. We can discuss this later."

Practically growling at the other boy, Harry followed his friend down to the kitchen. It was one of the most tense meals that house had ever seen, and that including Sirius last days before being kicked out. Molly quickly noticed Harry's mood and didn't ask any questions to risk his anger, Hermione knew better than to say anything, Ron's head hurt too much from the hangover and Malfoy stared back at him with the same hatred look Harry looked at the blond.

Once they were done eating, the Golden Trio left for the library, and Harry was surprised to see Malfoy staying behind to do the cleaning-up. Probably to make up for living there. He couldn't bother to repress a delighted smile at that thought. They spent all afternoon reading, and only left the room when it was dinnertime. He wondered a couple of times what would the blond be doing, but quickly let the thought go. He couldn't care less.

When they met again over the table, the mood was much better. They didn't talk to each other, but Harry made friendly conversation with some of the guests that had appeared for dinner. The following days passed more or less the same way, and soon it was almost time to go back to school. They had ordered all their supplies to be delivered straight to Hogwarts, so they wouldn't have to risk going to the Diagon Alley.

Over that month, Harry's enthusiasm for being with his friends and doing something had quickly died. They spent days and days locked in with books and not a single interesting information had appeared. He wondered how his friends had managed to do that all July, but then remembered Hermione loved books, and Ron loved Hermione, so it probably wasn't too much trouble. But that day, they'd found a lead on the Slytherin pendant Harry and Dumbledore had searched before, the real one, and one of the members of the Order had managed to destroy it. They had a quick celebration over dinner, but Harry just felt completely depressed. He hadn't done anything. He'd just been kept safe and hidden away.

He waited for his friends to fall asleep that night and went to the attic, where he found a small window leading to the roof. He lay there watching the sky and drinking from one of the bottles the twins had given him. Why hadn't Sirius ever mentioned that place? He couldn't stand being indoors, so this would have to have been a relief. And it was the house he grew up in, how could he not know? He felt grateful when the alcohol made his mind wander, and was almost asleep when he heard the noise of someone else climbing up.

Draco Malfoy's head popped up through the window, and they were equally surprised to see each other. But as none of them intended to give in, they just lay side-by-side on the roof that suddenly seemed too small.

"What are you drinking?" Malfoy asked after a few minutes of silence.

"Firewhisky." His voice sounded lazy, indicating he'd been with that bottle for a while.

"Can I have some?" Harry shrugged and handed over the bottle. Malfoy took long gulps before returning it. "Where d'you get it? It's good stuff."

"The twins gave me for my birthday."

Suddenly none of them knew what to say, so they let themselves remain in an almost comfortable silence. The blond was almost asleep when Harry hit him with the bottle, encouraging him to drink some more, and asked:

"Is it true you're not a Death Eater? That you're on our side?"

"All true, Potter. Your worst dreams have come to life."

"Why?"

"It's none of your business."

In his state of drunkenness, he wasn't bothered by the rude answer. "Come on. Tell me."

"It doesn't matter, Potter."

"Of course it does. You led them into Hogwarts two months ago and now you're fighting them. What's changed so fast?"

"A lot has changed. And it has changed me. And so I'm here. End of story."

"You're always so rude."

Malfoy looked to his side, and watched Harry for a moment. The boy had his eyes closed and his head on one arm. "So are you, Potter. It's perfectly mutual."

"I suppose so." Harry opened his eyes and turned to Malfoy, who blushed slightly and looked back up. "Do you hate me?"

"Hate you?"

"Yeah. You always act like you hate me."

"Do you hate me?"

"I hate what you do. How you act. I don't think I know you well enough to hate you for what you are."

"I grew up imagining what it would be like to be your friend. That's what was expected of me, and I liked that perspective. Then the first time we talk, you humiliate me. What did you expect?"

"Well, you were rude to my friends as well. I couldn't let that go."

"That's not what's expected of the Saint Potter, is it? You should forgive and-"

"Shut up." Harry hit the boy's arm lightly, smiling. "Well, I grew up with a bully. I finally had some space for myself. I wouldn't let you get away with that."

"Was your cousin as bad as I hear people say?"

"Worse. They all were. Did you know I lived in a cupboard until I was eleven?"

"A cupboard?"

"Yeah. Under the stairs. I only got a room when I came back from Hogwarts, after the first year. And I only got a few privileges - a window without bars, and being able to touch my wizarding stuff - after third year, when Sirius escaped. I told them he was my godfather, and they were scared. But life before that, specially before Hogwarts, was hell. I lost count of how many times I was beat up before I was five. By then, I was the main person in charge of cooking and cleaning as well."

"Five? I think if I went into a kitchen when I was five, all I would've gotten would be a big burn in my hand." They laughed easily.

"What about you? What was it like growing up at the Malfoy Mannor? Easy and comfortable, I suppose."

"Well, compared to you... But it was never easy to me." Malfoy took another large gulp of whisky before continuing. He had no idea why he was telling those things to Harry, of all people, but he suddenly felt he wanted to. It was probably the alcohol. "First thing I remember is my d- Lucius saying I wasn't good enough. I don't even remember what I did, probably some kid stuff, but I remember him yelling at me. That's most of what I remember of him. Telling me I'm not good enough to be a Malfoy. That I lose to you in everything. That I'm less than nothing. And I always tried so hard to get just an approval look from him. He didn't have to say a word. I just wish he would stop looking at me as if he was disgusted I was his son."

"I'm sorry." Harry said quietly. He understood what it was like to grow up being yelled at, feeling you're less than everybody else. "It must've been terrible."

"What annoys me the most is that I kept trying. Over and over I'd go back to him after he kicked me. Not literally, he never laid a hand on me. But he never had to. I would've made no difference after all he said to me."

"What about your mom? Didn't she ever stand up for you?"

"My mom? What a joke. I suppose she loves me alright, but she's always been too weak. She does whatever Lucius tells her to do without questioning it. Besides, having her as a mother was no better than having no mother at all. Except for when Lucius was home, I never saw either of them. I was always playing by myself in my room or somewhere in the property. Sometimes kids came over when he threw dinner parties, but they were never interested in being my friends. Their parents always told them it'd be good to have influence over the Malfoy offspring."

"What about Crabbe and Goyle? They did look more like followers than anything, but still..."

"We met in one of those parties as well. They just weren't smart enough to use me, but they would sit with me and listen to me babble. Somehow in the way we became friends. And it's true I bossed them around, but it sort of gave them structure. They wouldn't know what to do if I didn't tell them."

"With my cousin, they'd only do stuff because they were afraid of him. He thought he was so badass with that stupid gang of his, beating up little kids." They smiled at each other, sharing a very harmful thought about Duddley Dursley. "What about Pansy? And that other boy, uh, Blaise?"

"Blaise Zabini. He's a nice guy. I met him at Hogwarts. He's pure-blood in case you're wondering, but that hardly matters anymore. We got along well enough. He was quiet, and agreed with most of my nonsense. But his family wasn't one of Dark Wizards, at least not one connected to the Dark Lord. His mom did become a widow seven times in a row, so that's a bit suspicious..." They giggled, unsure if it was because of their talk or the effects of their drinking. "And Pansy... I also met at school. She's alright, but has some ideas weirder than my own."

"You dated her, didn't you?"

"For a while, yeah. But it could never really work out. We're incompatible romantically."

"I know what you mean."

"Not like you and Chang, Potter. Chang was just out of your league." They smiled at the joke.

"Actually I was thinking about me and Ginny."

"She's not bad, really... I little too short-fused for all I care, but pretty hot."

"Draco, watch your mouth!" Harry said laughing, but quickly stopped when he realized he'd called the blond by his first name. "Is... is it alright if I call you Draco?" The boy shrugged. "You can call me Harry, if you want." They remained in silence for a few minutes. "Why didn't it work out between you and Pansy?" Harry asked, trying to get over the awkwardness he himself created.

"I told you, not compatible. We have the same type. Males."

Harry choked on the drink. He definitely wasn't expecting such an information, especially given so naturally. "So you're, hm, you know, hm, gay?"

"Yeah, Potter, that's what that means. First one you've met?"

"I-I think so..."

"Then you're really thick. You know Dumbledore. And little Weasley herself, I heard she's been... sneaking around with that Loony before you got together. If you can call that getting together. I haven't seen you kiss her once."

"Well... I don't know if we 'got together'. We kissed, well, I kissed her, then he started hanging out a lot more, but never did that again. And then I broke up with her because I thought it'd be too dangerous if we were together."

"There goes Saint Potter again..." The nickname that had cause so much trouble before, at least that night, was only a joke. "Then how can you know you don't work together?"

"it never felt right, being with her. In a way, it was as awkward as trying to be with Cho."

"Ever tried kissing a boy? That's what did the trick for me."

"No! Draco, I'm not gay!"

"What's wrong with being gay?"

"Nothing, it's just-"

"And if you've never tried, how can you know you won't like it?"

"I just know-"

"Shut up, Harry. And stay still." Draco leaned over the other boy and kissed his lips lightly at first, then nibbled and licked Harry's lips a little before pulling away. "I think you're the problem. That was the dullest kiss I've ever had, and I started doing that before we went to school!"

Harry was too shocked to reply. Shocked Draco had simply kissed him, shocked it felt so good, shocked it felt so right. Though he wasn't shocked he was a terrible kisser. He hadn't had that much practice after all.

"Say something, Potter." Draco looked at him amused. "And just because I did a charity work, don't go thinking we'll start dating or anything. You're definitely not my type. And I already have an eye on somebody." Harry just looked at the blond blankly. "You're really funny, Potter. Now give me that bottle. I need one more sip before I go to bed."

Draco grabbed the bottle and drank from it before heading downstairs without another word. Harry stayed there for what seemed like an eternity, absorbing all that had happened. When he finally went back inside, he felt more confused than ever, and couldn't let go of the delicate feel of Draco's lips against his own. So that's what if felt like to be kissed by a guy? Because it was definitely better than being kissed by a girl.

The last week at Grimauld Place was really strange for Harry. The tension between him and Draco seemed to have vanished, and they even exchanged a few friendly words when they met. Harry had thought about the kiss for a long time, trying to work things out in his head, unsuccessfully. He didn't have anything other than brotherly feelings for the boy, but couldn't deny it'd been amazing.

When the last day of vacations came, there was that frantic agitation for everybody to make sure they hadn't forgotten anything. They all went to bed early to make sure nobody would miss the train, and squeezed into a few taxi cabs the next morning to make their way to the train station.

Harry ended up sitting beside Ginny, and it had been an awkward ride. They hadn't properly talked since the boy had dumped her, and all the time he'd spent living in the same house as her, they were never alone together. She smiled kindly, making him feel guilty for what he'd done. But more and more, especially after the kiss, he felt it'd been the right thing to do. That way, if Draco was right, she could go back to Luna, who must've been devastated to be left for him, and he could... explore his newfound side.

As soon as they arrived in the boarding platform, Draco ran away from them and hid in the train, trying to avoid some parents who were bidding their kids farewell. Some of them were well-known Death Eaters, who only didn't approach Harry because of the enormous amount of Aurors around him. The trip was quiet, and he was left alone in his cabin when Ron and Hermione left for the Prefects' meeting and Ginny followed them under the excuse she'd go look for Luna.

Alone with his thoughts once again, Harry reviewed the last couple of months. He was after all returning to school as Dumbledore had requested, and he'd have private classes with Snape. Who was still, supposedly, on their side. They'd found and destroyed the third Horcrux, leaving three more to be found. They had strong evidence to believe Nagini, Voldemort's snake, was one of them, and if the former Headmaster had been correct, they'd be able to find the other two at Hogwarts.

All that aside, he'd learned to call Draco a friend, and learned he at least liked boys as well as girls. He didn't have an eye on anybody - though he wondered a little who Draco fancied -, though that was probably more because of the war than anything else. It was too dangerous for the other person, and he didn't have time to waste in a relationship.

When he noticed, he'd fallen asleep, and only woke up with the heavy rain hitting the window. They were almost there, and his friends still hadn't returned. Something made him feel uneasy, and he decided to go look for someone, just so he wouldn't be alone. He was surprised at how empty the train was. Normally it would be full of life and chatter, but many parents were too scared to let their children out of their sight. Some of them had died in attacks. The others were scattered around. Only when he moved on to the second car he found a full cabin; it was Draco's one. He felt a little intimidated at the looks he received, but asked the blonde nonetheless if he could stay. With an almost friendly smile, he was allowed in, and felt very happy not to be alone anymore.

Everybody already seemed to know the Slytherin boy had deserted his parents and the Dark Lord and turned to the other side. He wasn't paying too much attention to their conversation, but turned his head to Draco when he heard him discuss about a group he wanted to form inside his House with all the students who didn't want to turn to the Dark Side. It sparkled in him the memory of the Dumbledore's Army. He had to discuss that as soon as possible with Hermione, figure out who should be a part of it and - he was surprise to acknowledge - he wanted Draco to be a part of it too, with all the Slytherins he deemed trustworthy. The more the merrier, they say, and they needed as many people they could get to fight Voldmort.

As they arrived in the Great Hall and everybody sat at their respective tables, Harry had a clear notion of how empty the school really was. Only about a third of the table was filled, for all the Houses except Slytherin, who had about two-thirds of its students. There were only about ten or so first-years to be sorted, and they ended up mostly in the Snake House. Looking at the faculty table, Harry was glad to see some familiar faces, but instead of one new professor - to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts - there were two new faces. One of them - the oldest man, who was probably in his 40s and looked as sinister as one can - would take the empty chair, while the other - who almost looked like a student himself, in his early 20s - would be in charge of Potions for the first five years. Snape was getting an assistant after all, and hopefully he'd be a little better teaching only those who had high enough grades in their O.W.L.s. After introducing the newcomers and exposing some new rules, the Potions Master had to stand being booed, and as much as it enraged Harry to see that Greasy Git stand where Dumbledore once stood, for some reason he couldn't make himself produce the sound along with most of his House mates.

They all went back to their dorms, and only then Harry noticed Seamus was missing. His bed was covered in black drapes, and it didn't take long for him to remember the attacks to his family that had been on the papers a few weeks earlier. His dorm was quiet while the boys unpacked. Neville and Dean had smiled at him when he joined them, but the war atmosphere was just too heavy to sustain smiles. Harry took a long time to fall asleep that night, thinking about all that was on the verge of happening.